Grooming Gangs Inquiry
OngoingStatutory inquiry into grooming gangs and group-based child sexual exploitation in England and Wales. Chaired by Baroness Anne Longfield CBE with panellists Zoë Billingham CBE and Eleanor Kelly CBE. Final terms of reference published 31 March 2026; formally laid before Parliament and inquiry begins 13 April 2026. Examines institutional failures by police, local authorities, health services, social care and schools. Will consider ethnicity, religion and culture of perpetrators and victims. Oldham confirmed as first local investigation area. Public hearings will be livestreamed with findings published as work progresses. Criminal conduct referrals to Operation Beaconport. Expected to conclude by March 2029 within £65m budget.
Parliamentary Activity 4 Click to expand
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Baroness Anne Longfield CBE was appointed to chair the Inquiry, with panellists Zoë Billingham CBE and Eleanor Kelly CBE.
The Inquiry published its Terms of Reference; the Chair gave an opening statement setting out its scope.
SourceThe Inquiry was formally established under section 5 of the Inquiries Act 2005, for a planned three years within a budget of £65m.
The Inquiry announced its first local investigation areas: Oldham, Bradford and Keighley, and London.
The Inquiry has said it expects to hold national accountability hearings between the end of 2026 and early 2027.
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